Now, at the 2011 Autosport International Show in the UK, Caterham has unveiled its first ever prototype racing car, which has been designed for a new one-make series and track day enthusiasts. The new prototype is the Caterham-Lola SP/300.R, a joint development between Caterham and automotive engineering group Lola.
Another major debut for Caterham is a new supercharged version of the 2.0-liter Ford Duratec powerplant, which will power the SP/300.R and develop upwards of 300 horsepower. The prototype race car will be capable of using alternative engines but the factory-fit unit will offer the best reliability when matched with the car’s intended Hewland semi-automatic FTR transmission.
Caterham-Lola SP/300.R prototype track car
The suspension consists of front and rear dual wishbones with pushrod dampers, adjustable ride height and race-style wheels shod with Cooper Avon tires.
The entire thing weighs in at just 1,323 pounds, so with 300 horsepower on tap acceleration is understandably brisk. Expect 0-60 mph times of around 2.5 seconds and a top speed of 170 mph.
Caterham is now in the final stages of development of the powertrain and handling characteristics of the car, in readiness for a one-make championship to start in 2012. Additionally, the feasibility of a road-legal version is also being considered.
Only 25 SP/300.R racers will be manufactured each year, allowing Caterham to focus on enhancing the build quality of every vehicle and its customer experience.
[Caterham]